THE DROP

The Drop is the latest ad in the Guinness “Knowing What Matters” series, featuring characters who go out of their way in pursuit of what’s truly important in life.

At the outset we meet Seany, an intense young Irish-American on a mission. Quite what he’s looking for, we’re not sure, but we have a strong sense that he’s up to no good. We follow Seany on his increasingly frustrated quest through his blue-collar Brooklyn neighbourhood as friends and acquaintances declare themselves unable or unwilling to help him out. Finally, Seany’s luck turns – a contact leads him to a truck-stop diner where he picks up an ominous package.

We cut to Seany making his way stealthily into a suburban house and sneaking up on an old man sitting inside. The mysterious package is produced – and turns out to contain a pair of all-Ireland tickets. As his amazed father embraces him, the now-smiling Seany explains:

“It could be a long time before they make the finals again, Pops.”

It is truly amazing what some people will do in the pursuit of their dreams: athletes will hit the streets in all kinds of weather to get fit for that big race and to win the prize; actors and entertainers will go to the clubs and do their gigs in the hope of getting the recognition that will give them their big break; mothers and fathers make big sacrifices for their children.

Jesus calls for every believer” to take up his cross and follow” after him. While we in the developed world are currently called to make little sacrifice or suffer little persecution our churches are struggling to be relevant to the community, but our brothers and sisters in the under-developed world, who are daily paying a high price, are experiencing church growth. Why is that so?

The Tsunami of 2005 was just a reminder of how privileged we are in comparison to others- we are very fortunate that this community was able to present £1,750 to Christian Aid for the benefit of third- world families. How far are you willing to go to learn about being a disciple of Christ? What price are you willing to pay? It is truly amazing that we are willing to give generously to such far off communities where there are Muslims, Hindus and Sheiks and yet we find it so difficult to speak to some who are so near at home. Is it just possible that part of the price of following Jesus Christ is to find a way whereby we are able to agree to disagree and to do so agreeably? How much effort are we willing to make to reach out accross the sectarian divide?

In Jeremiah 35 the prophet describes how the Recabites showed such loyalty and obedience tro the instructions of their fathers while the Israelites have failed to obey God. If men will go to such lengths to obey other men and ancient customs why will they not obey God who is so much more worthy of obedience and trust?

Seany was willing to leave no stone unturned in his effort to seek out some tickets for his father because he loved him, how much more will the love of God move us? This is of eternal worth.